The build-up to Manchester City’s opening goal against Leeds United divided opinion after Jesse Marsh claimed Stuart Dallas’ tackle was a fair one. Leeds United were beaten 4-0 by Pep Guardiola’s side after two set-piece goals from Rodri and Nathan Ake were followed by late strikes from Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho.
The four-goal gap flattered the league leaders, with Jesse Marsch’s men producing a spirited and committed performance, albeit one that lacked quality both defensively and going forward. Leeds hustled and harried City, forcing them into mistakes and keeping them some way from their poetic best.
But when Dallas was pulled up for a foul on Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden’s free-kick was met by the advancing Rodri who glanced a header into Illan Meslier’s bottom corner. The Northern-Ireland international flew into a few tackles - eventually suffering a potentially season-ending injury as a result - but seemed to at least get a glancing touch on the ball before making contact with Sterling.
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Marsch was spotted by the Sky Sports cameras mouthing ‘not a foul’ in the midst of the decision, and the American coach said as much after the game.
“It’s a little unfortunate because we’ve defended well on set-pieces and we go 2-0 down on set-pieces. On the majority of the game, I thought we were quite good.” Marsch said.
“First one, I don't think is a foul but whatever. We emphasise set-pieces because they get a lot of them. We’ve defended well. It is frustrating because most of the moments in the run of play, we were able to contain them very well.”
The opening goal for City was undoubtedly a key moment, with the impetus after that on Leeds to chase an equaliser and City were able to pick off their hosts. Guardiola’s men rode out the remainder of the first-half and most of the second before another set-piece goal all but sealed the win.
And Gary Neville seemed to agree with Marsch to some extent when commentating on the game.
He said: “He dives in but he definitely gets a little touch on the ball. Off the back of his heel there was a little deflection.”
Whereas Micah Richards disagreed with the Leeds manager after the full-time whistle.
“It’s a free-kick. He takes Sterling out,” Richards said. “I understand the frustration from the manager, but it’s a clear free-kick. Once he sees that back, he’ll realise it’s a clear free-kick.”
Leeds didn’t help themselves in defending the free-kick, with City’s defensive midfielder given free rein to weave through the pack and angle his header home. Cooper’s absence was clear to see, with Leeds losing key aerial duels and looking fragile at the back.
The defeat leaves the Whites five points above Everton - who have two games in hand - and level on points with Burnley.
